Dynamic distributed power grid control system

Abstract

A system for dynamically managing and controlling distributed energy resources in a transmission / distribution power grid is disclosed. A plurality of regions within a transmission / distribution power grid is autonomously managed using regional control modules. Each regional control module oversees the management and control of the transmission / distribution power grid and is further associated with a plurality of local control modules that interface with distributed energy resources within a region. Power production and power consumption are monitored and analyzed by the enterprise control module which, upon determining that power consumption within a region does not match power producing capability, dynamically reallocates distributed energy resources throughout the grid keeping the system balance.; Power flow at key nodes within the network are monitored and analyzed by the local control modules, regional control modules, and enterprise control modules with compensating actions taken in the event that system parameter risks violating safety, stability, or operational thresholds.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 257,834, filed November 3, 2009, and U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 12 / 846,520, filed July 29, 2010, as fully set forth herein, The entire contents of these two patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in all respects. technical field [0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electrical grids and, more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling the distribution, production, and consumption of electrical power within an electrical grid. Background technique [0004] The grid is not a single entity, but an aggregate of multiple networks and multiple generators with multiple operators with different levels of communication and coordination, most of which are manually controlled. Smart grids increase the connectivity, automation and coordination between power suppliers, power users and networks th...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0016] Existing networks have historically been designed with a one-way flow of power, and if a local subnet or area generates more power than it consumes, the reverse flow of power can increase safety and reliability concerns

Therefore, it is difficult to dynamically manage power production assets in real time and allow dynamic transactions between individual energy users, asset owners, service providers, market participants, and network operators

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